Note: I don't own anything.
This is a redo as I realized on how choppy I made the Toaru timeline to be. Hence, why I'm redoing the chapters to better fit my agendas. Miracle of Endymion was very exciting BTW.
IIIIIIII
Cold rain fell from the sky as though it was weeping. The night covered the streets in darkness as the winds howled and blew fiercely across the empty pavements. A young thirteen year-old boy with sallow skin and wearing tattered clothing limped along the sidewalk, holding onto a trunk as though it was his only means of support.
Severus Snape was in tears, feeling as if the end of the world was approaching. He couldn't go back to Spinner's End after being kicked out by his drunken father Tobias. With the Evans on vacation abroad, Severus had nothing but the clothes on his back and a trunk containing his belongings. Since Eileen died last year, things had gotten worse as he could feel with the shattered bones in his body. Lightning crackled across the starless sky, barely providing illumination while the air and rain became colder like ice. Unable to remain conscious any longer due to his injuries, Severus slowly fell onto the sidewalk just beside the stairs of a church, welcoming nothing but the embrace of death to claim him and end his life of suffering.
At a grocery store, a young blond-haired woman named Ellen Hawkins had just finished gathering a fifth basket full of fresh and plump potatoes before heading out to the checkout counter. Given that the store was almost empty of customers, that lack of presence spared her from the glances that she would receive due to her nun attire. The clerk was puzzled more on the amount of potatoes that the nun was buying but didn't think any further as Ellen gave him the required amount of cash for her purchase.
After loading them into the small car, Ellen drove out of the parking lot before heading back to the convent. As she approached the church that she was residing at, the young nun caught sight of a young boy in tattered clothes and passed out on the steps with a trunk next to him.
"Oh dear!" Ellen quipped before stopping the car at the curb. Getting out, she quickly came over and saw the wounds that indicated abuse and beatings all over his body. Slowly, Ellen carried the young boy on her shoulder as though he was a wounded soldier before pounding her fist on the door frantically. Almost ten minutes passed before the doors opened to reveal a younger nun but with brown hair.
"Ellen? Who is this?" the red-haired nun asked.
"I don't know but I found him on the steps and he looks like he's been badly abused." Ellen spoke. "Leanne, can you drive the car into the garage for me please? I need to get him some medical attention."
The younger nun nodded before heading outside and drove the car off into the garage. Meanwhile, Ellen scooped Severus and, like a mother carrying her young child in her arms, the nun brought him to the infirmary before placing him on the bed.
"That doesn't look good." A feminine voice remarked and Ellen turned to see a green-haired nun.
"Cataline, I found him on the steps and he looks like he's been through hell." Ellen explained. "I know it's late but-"
"Don't worry, I'll have him patched up nice and new." Cataline spoke. "You go on and get some sleep."
"Thank you." Ellen replied before turning to the unconscious boy and leaning over to whisper in his ear. "Be at peace, dear child. You are safe now."
Ellen then stood up and left the infirmary before Cataline came over. The green-haired nun looked at the boy before recognition flared in her amber-gold eyes.
"So you're a magic-user, eh? I guess that makes my job a bit easier. Healing you and then cleaning you up." Cataline remarked before she reached into the cabinet and took out several vials of potions. After gathering a few more tools, she went to work that very night.
IIIIIIII
The chirping of the birds was faint in his ears but it was enough for Severus to wake up. As he opened his eyes, he found himself in a bed that was in what looked to be an infirmary of some sort. His surroundings had him completely puzzled as he remembered fainting on the streets in the cold rain.
Footsteps perked his ears that Severus turned his head in the direction of the sound before seeing a young nun with green-hair and amber-gold eyes.
"I see you're awake." The nun spoke. "I think healing you was far easier than cleaning you from head to toe. Honestly, I would've thought that wizards knew how to keep good hygiene."
The last sentence was like a rug being pulled out from underneath his feet as Severus tried to register what he had just heard before his jaw dropped. Seeing the puzzled expression of surprise on his face, the nun raised an eyebrow.
"Close your mouth, kid. You'll attract flies. My name is Cataline Albion and I'm in charge of the infirmary here." The nun spoke. "My sisters are all aware of the magical world and, despite our affiliation with the Church of England, several Anglican churches in the country and abroad practice magic in secret only to maintain a simple check and balance."
The second revelation felt like a cold wave of water washing over Severus, who was beginning to note a vast improvement in his personal hygiene. He felt lighter and cleaner than ever without any trace of odor. After processing what he had just heard, Severus spoke.
"I am Severus Snape." He began before asking. "You practice magic?"
"Yes, I do. Same can be said of my fellow brothers and sisters." Cataline replied bluntly.
"I always thought that Christians viewed magic to be unholy." Severus said.
"That's true but there are those who are able to see it as more of an instrument and not be blinded by the old Christian views." Cataline replied bluntly. "Prayers for divinely will to intervene and incantations for spells to induce an effect aren't very different from each other. Exorcisms and blessings can be included into the spectrum as well. Read and research the history of Christian views regarding magic and you might find your own answers."
Clearing her throat, Cataline continued. "Anyways, you've been asleep past lunch time but I think Ellen saved you some food. Those fried potato wedges that she makes are pretty good and Henrietta's fried fish is out of this world."
Slowly, Severus got out from under the blanket before seeing that he was wearing the robe of a monk.
"Last night, those clothes were like dirty rags so I threw them away and dressed you in that." Cataline spoke offhandedly before seeing the surprised look on Severus's face. "What? You know, Adam and Eve were naked in the Garden of Eden and God saw them every day. Unlike my fellow sisters, I'm not squeamish when it comes to the anatomy of a human male."
"You must be very brave then." Severus remarked.
"Nah, I'm just carefree and indifferent to such things." Cataline replied bluntly. "Come on. Oh and your trunk is in the guest quarters. I'll lead you there after lunch."
As Cataline left the infirmary, Severus followed her out before entering a corridor. Eventually, they reached a bridge that connected the building that they were in at the second floor to the second floor of the church. As Cataline and Severus crossed the bridge, the latter heard the sounds of Mass before they reached the other side.
"Are they having Mass right now?" Severus asked.
"No, just a special meeting." Cataline answered before she heard footsteps and saw a blonde nun that looked about eighteen-years of age approach her.
"Cataline, the runes to the entrance of underground corridors are damaged." The nun reported. "None of us can realign them."
"Have you tried the alternative passages?" Cataline asked.
"Already did. We're just asking for you because Evangeline is out of town and Rozalyn is running errands." The nun replied.
"Severus, can you wait here until I get back?" Cataline asked.
"Yes, of course." Severus replied.
"Alright then." Cataline spoke before following the nun.
Left with no company, Severus looked around the vast space of the corridor while hearing Mass occur on the floor below. Somehow, even though he had never been to a church in a long time, the sounds of heavenly music and trickling water provided a calm soothing to his spirit.
It wasn't long before he heard a feminine voice speak loudly. At first, he thought it was probably just a sermon but as he moved closer to the door on the second floor that lead to the choir section that overlooked the nave, Severus was not only proven wrong but was surprised by what he was hearing.
"All those that are here are wondering on what purpose I am seeking. Let me first tell you that there is no "I" whatsoever. This is a culmination of efforts that have planted the foundation, fueled by the trials and oppression that have longed plagued our forebears in the magical world. Just think for a moment to a time when you first received your letter from a prestigious institute such as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. What thoughts raced through your mind? Were you scared, confused, or perhaps... excited? Regardless of what you have felt, there is no doubt in my mind that you all have started venturing into the world of magic. After all, you all are here with the ability to do magic and are currently being educated in the many branches of magic by professors and individuals that have preceded your time. For many of us, the transition from the mundane conditions of the Muggle world that we had grown up in all of our lives to the enchanting wonders of the magical world that was new and even foreign to us has in some way affected us no matter how minute. Do you welcome a drastic and radical change that can greatly benefit your own life? I should hope so, otherwise you would've denounced magic by now and returned to the Muggle world.
While there are good things about the magical world, there are also bad things that exist. Some of you may have parents or grandparents that have heard of or experienced these dark times of the past. Others may not have. Ask someone if they remember the times when those that value the purity of magical blood have oppressed those that showed magical ability but have come from the Muggle world. Have you ever been targeted and harassed by people because of your blood lineage? Have you been called a Mudblood or have been persecuted in some way just for being a Muggle-born witch or wizard?
By now, many would think that it is alright to just bow your heads and endure such despicable acts. A simple turning of the other cheek without thinking about it. There are those that try to seek justice for these grievous injuries through the legal system but the result rules in favor of those that have the gold to give to the right people. Can you honestly live in such a world where pedigree is valued above personal ability? Is it alright for anyone to go unpunished for their crimes? For too long, those of us with Muggle descent have been given the short end of the stick by a magical world that remains in such a stagnant form and is run by the aristocratic purebloods that believe their influence, pedigree, and wealth grants them the unchallenged privilege to do whatever they wish to those that they see as inferior.
We were not born into this world to become prey to the privileged few! We were brought out of the Muggle world and into the magical world through the gift of magic that runs through and is tied to our existences! Neither of us should let these purists step all over the first-generation nor shall we turn the other cheek for them to strike! Every action has consequences and it is time that they realize that what they sow is what they shall reap, no matter what! Defend not only for yourselves but also for your children and the future generations that have yet to come! Most importantly, do NOT run away from the problem for simply yielding to the purists is the same as acknowledging their actions!
Whether you have heard this or not, the purebloods believe that us Muggle-borns have stolen magic and that we are the reason that Squibs exist. Do not let this belief hinder you for it is not true whatsoever and we shall not be used as scapegoats for the mistakes of the purebloods! Their inbreeding throughout the centuries for the sake of their so-called purity of blood has stifled their descendents greatly and more Squibs have appeared frequently among their number than ever before. Thus, that is their problem to deal with and the Muggle-borns are not at fault for their mistakes. Always remember that!
Now some of you may be wondering on how we have been able to use magic as they have. Though it is of random chance that magic has revealed itself and manifested in our very being, some of our predecessors had discovered the reason as to why he have the gift of magic. It is called the Mandate of Divinity. Yes, the magic that we, as faithful Muggle-borns in service of the Holy Lord, have was ordained by the will of Heaven with the hopes that we serve the betterment of the world with our gifts. Long ago, after the passing of the Christ, the Twelve Apostles were granted the gift of magic to perform miracles in order to show that the Son of God was here and real. But with the martyrdom and old age claiming the Holy Disciples, they made a pact called the Covenant of Obligated Rite where they had magic to search out those that are worthy of wielding it and guide humanity into the Grace of Heaven. You are much better than the purebloods, whose roots of magic came from the fallen angels that followed Lucifer! They may claim that their lineage holds purity but we are the blessed with the gift of magic bestowed upon us by our Holy Lord!
Thus, this gift of magic that we, the Muggle-borns, wield are gifts, showing that we are worthy in the eyes of the Heaven to wield it and that we shall continue doing so without hindrance. As you continue on with life, know that God has blessed you with the gift of magic and it is our sacred duty to do what we must to bring peace to the world that we live in. Do not ever forget this! What you do now shall determine the course of everything in life and the Holy Lord shall be watching over you. As you leave, always remember this: What future do you desire? I, for one, choose life with dignity and happiness! What say the rest of you?!"
Severus was left speechless while trying to process what he had just heard. Was this some sort of anti-pureblood religious group made of Muggle-borns that followed the Christian faith? Since the pureblood supremacists and Death Eaters showed their anti-Muggle tendencies to the world itself, he had never heard of a complete opposite side before.
"Hello!" a feminine voice spoke before Severus turned to see a nun with blond hair and with a motherly aura. "I am Ellen Hawkins and I think after hearing about all this, you must be wondering on what is going on."
"I'm just surprised but yes, I do wonder about that." Severus managed to speak. What he had just heard sounded like information overload.
Ellen smiled. "Cataline is taking more time on repairing the runes than anyone thought so she told me where you were. Here, let's go eat and I'll answer your questions after you've been fed and watered."
As Severus followed Ellen, he could only wonder on what he had just discovered today.
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